Recall

Chris Welsh, Esq. www.welsh-law.com Graco Children’s Products is in hot water with U.S. Transportation for its responsibility (or lack thereof) in the largest ever recall of child seats. Graco sold 4 million car seats that were eventually recalled for trapping children (in one case, a grown man had to use channel pliers to get his two year old daughter out). Graco has been fined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) for dragging its feet to notify parents and safety authorities about the defective buckle. The NHTSA fined the children’s product manufacturer a potential $10 million for its negligence: …

Brian Nettles, Esq. There is no question that awareness of health and natural foods are at the forefront of concerns in America these days. What was once a niche market, organic and health-minded consumption is now mainstream. The market for organic foods reportedly jumped from $28.4 billion in 2012, to an estimated $35 billion in 2014. To put that into perspective, even McDonald’s plans to get rid of antibiotic-treated chicken–and add kale to it’s menu. Needless to say, consumer appetite for organically produced, health-boosting items is growing big time. There is a lot of money in the business boom–and a …

Chris Welsh, Esq. welsh-law.com Compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg has so far determined that the now notorious GM ignition switch defect, which was found to shut off the airbag and power steering, is responsible for 56 deaths. The new total has been climbing since the Jan. 31st deadline to submit claims to the compensation fund, which was set up due to the sheer size of the GM issue. Feinberg directed other mass compensation funds for other great tragedies, including the September 11th fund and one for the BP oil spill. As part of the process, those who submitted their claim for …

This year’s winter has turned serious for many Americans, especially those in the Northeast. Last week, Boston received a record snowfall of 34.2 inches in just 7 days and now expects another storm this weekend. That’s incredible considering that, on average, the city gets 40.9 inches per year. Frigid temperatures compound many problems such as mass transit, getting to school, and staying warm at home. If you live in a cold winter city, or plan to visit one soon, make sure to take precaution if you’re staying warm with a space heaters. Space heaters are common solutions for keeping homes …

Chris Welsh, Esq. www.welsh-law.com Later this month, there will be a hearing to decide whether federally-filed Takata Airbag cases should be consolidated for one district court and, if so, which in particular. Takata, a Japanese auto supplier, has struggled with airbag ruptures for nearly two decades (NY Times). The cause is believe to be an unstable compound that blows up in response to pressure or temperature changes. The explosion may be due to the fact that Takata is reportedly the only supplier to use ammonium nitrate, an explosive chemical, to inflate airbags rapidly. The faulty airbag has been linked to …